Course and Fences It is illegal for anyone aged under 18 to gamble Grand National Course and Fences The Grand National is the ultimate test of horse and jockey. The race comprises two full circuits of a unique 2ï¿½ mile (3,600 metres) course, where challengers will face 30 of the most testing fences in the world of jump racing. It was originally designed as a cross-country steeplechase when it was first officially run in 1839. The runners started at a lane on the edge of the racecourse and raced away from the course out over open countryside towards the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The gates, hedges and ditches that they met along the way were flagged to provide them with the obstacles to be jumped along the way with posts and rails erected at the two points where the runners jumped a brook. The runners returned towards the racecourse by running along the edge of the canal before re-entering the course at the opposite end. The runners then ran the length of the racecourse before embarking on a second circuit before finishing in front of the stands. The majority of the race therefore took place not on the actual Aintree Racecourse but instead in the adjoining countryside.

That countryside was incorporated into the modern course but commentators still often refer to it as "the country", much to the confusion of millions of once-a-year racing viewers. Nowadays, around 150 tonnes of spruce branches, sourced and transported from forests in the Lake District, are used to dress the Liverpool course's jump fences. Each fence used to be made from a wooden frame and covered with the distinctive green spruce. However, a radical change for the 2013 renewal saw that frame replaced by a softer, more forgiving material known as "plastic birch", for safety reasons. Each of the 16 fences on the course are jumped twice, with the exception of The Chair and the Water Jump, which are jumped on the first circuit only. You can take a jockey's eye view of the Grand National course via the video below: Safety Changes Following safety reviews after both the 2011 and 2012 renewals, a number of changes were made to the course with some reductions in fences or the drop after fences, plus the levelling of landing zones.

Since 2013, the start of the race is now 90 yards closer to the first fence, reducing the race to four miles and three-and-a-half furlongs, from four-and-a-half miles, while measures were introduced to stop horses getting caught up in the starting tape. In particular, the start now includes the 'no-go' zone, which is defined by a line on the track, being extended from 15 yards to around 30 yards from the starting tape. The starter's rostrum has been moved to a position between the starting tape and the 'no-go' zone to reduce the potential for horses to go through the starting tape prematurely. The tapes themselves are also more user-friendly, with increased visibility, while there is now a specific briefing between the starters' team and the jockeys on Grand National day. The changes to the start are aimed at slowing the speed the first fence is approached at, while moving the start further away from the crowd reduces noise that can distract the horses. The makeup of all of the fences changed significantly in 2013.

The new fences are still covered in spruce, but wooden posts have been replaced by a softer material known as "plastic birch", and on top of that birch there's a minimum of fourteen to sixteen inches of spruce that the horses can knock off. The outward appearance of the fences remains the same. Other measures included ï¿½100,000 being invested in irrigation to produce the safest jumping ground possible and a new bypass and pen around fence four to catch riderless horses. The Start There is a hazard to overcome even before the race starts - the build up, parade and re-girthing prior to the off lasts for around 25 minutes, over double the time it takes for any other race. With 40 starters, riders naturally want a good sight of the first fence and after the long build-up their nerves are stretched to breaking point, which means the stewards' pre-race warning to go steady is often totally ignored. The Fences 1 & 17: Thorn fence, 4ft 6in high, 2ft 9in wide - The first often claims many victims as horses tend to travel to it far too keenly.

As described above, the drop on the landing side was reduced in 2011. 2 & 18: Almost the same height as the first but much wider at 3ft 6in. Prior to 1888 the first two fences were located approximately halfway between the first to second and second to third jumps. The fence became known as The Fan after a mare refused at the obstacle three years in succession, but it lost that name when the fences were relocated. 3 & 19 Westhead: This is the first big test with a 6ft ditch on the approach guarding a 4ft 10in high fence. 4 & 20: Plain fence, 4ft 10in high and 3ft wide. In 2011, the 20th became the first fence in Grand National history to be bypassed on the second circuit, following an equine fatality on the first. In 2012, it was reduced in height by 2 inches to its current height of 4 foot 10 inches (1.47 metres) after it was shown to be the hardest fence on the course to jump along with Becherï¿½s Brook.

Its landing area was smoothed out ahead of the 2013 race. 5 & 21: Spruce dressed fence, 5ft high and 3ft 6in wide. Its landing side was also levelled in 2013. It was bypassed on the final lap for the first time in 2012 so that medics could treat a jockey who fell from his mount on the first lap and had broken a leg. 6 & 22 Becher's Brook: Although the fence looks innocuous from the take-off side, the steep drop on the landing side, together with a left-hand turn on landing, combine to make this the most thrilling and famous fence in the horse racing world. The fence actually measures well over 6 ft on the landing side, a drop of between 5 and 10in from take off. Horses are not expecting the ground the disappear under them on landing, riders need to sit back in the saddle and use their body weight to act as ballast to keep the horses stable.

As described above, there have been a number of alterations to this fence in recent season to try to make it a fairer and safer test for horse and rider, and the whole field managed to clear the obstacle on the first circuit last year. Becher's Brook earned its name when a top jockey, Captain Martin Becher, took shelter in the brook after being unseated. "Water tastes disgusting without the benefits of whisky" he reflected. 7 & 23 Foinavon Fence: Basically an 'ordinary' fence (4ft 6in high and 3ft wide) that was made famous in 1967 when Fionavon was the only horse to scramble over it at the first time of asking, following a mass pile-up. The jump is the smallest on the course, but coming straight after the biggest drop, it can catch horses and riders out. 8 & 24 Canal Turn: Made of hawthorn stakes covered in Norway spruce, it gets its name from the fact that there is a canal in front of the horses when they land. To avoid it, they must turn a full 90 degrees when they touch down.

The race can be won or lost here, with a diagonal leap to the inside of the jump taking the fence at a scary angle, but reducing the turn on landing. With 30 or more horses often still standing when the field reaches this point on the first circuit, not every rider has the option of taking this daring passage. Before the First World War it was not uncommon for loose horses to continue straight ahead after the jump and end up in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal itself. There was once a ditch before the fence but this was filled in after a mï¿½lï¿½e in the 1928 race. 9 & 25 Valentine's Brook: The third of four famous fences to be jumped in succession, it is 5ft high and 3ft 3in wide with a brook on the landing side thatï¿½s about 5ft 6in wide. The fence was originally known as the Second Brook but was renamed after a horse named Valentine was reputed to have jumped the fence hind legs first in 1840.

A grandstand was erected alongside the fence in the early part of the 20th century but fell into decline after the Second World War and was torn down in the 1970s. 10 & 26: Thorn fence, 5ft high and 3ft wide that leads the runners alongside the canal towards two ditches. 11 & 27 Booth: The main problem with this fence, which is 5ft high and 3ft wide, is the 6ft wide ditch on the take-off side. 12 & 28: Same size as the two previous fences, but with a 5ft 6in ditch on the landing side, which can catch runners out. The runners then cross the Melling Road near to the Anchor Bridge, a popular vantage point since the earliest days of the race. This also marks the point where the runners are said to be re-entering the "racecourse proper". In the early days of the race it was thought there was an obstacle near this point known as the Table Jump, which may have resembled a bank similar to those still seen at Punchestown in Ireland.

In the 1840s the Melling Road was also flanked by hedges and the runners had to jump into the road and then back out of it. 13 & 29: Second-last fence on the final circuit, it is 4ft 7in high and 3ft wide. This is the other obstacle to have had its landing side smoothed out ahead of the 2013 renewal. 14 & 30: Almost the same height as the previous fence and it is rare for any horse to fall at the final fence in the Grand National. 15 The Chair: The final two jumps of the first circuit form the only pair negotiated just once - and they could not be more different. The Chair is both the tallest (5ft 2in) and broadest fence on the course, with a 6ft wide ditch on the take-off side. In addition, the landing side turf is actually raised six inches above the take-off ground. This has the opposite effect on horses and riders to the drop at Becher's, as having stretched to get over the ditch, horses are surprised to find the ground coming up to meet them.

This is spectacular when horses get it right and equally so, for all the wrong reasons, when they donï¿½t. This fence is the site of the only human fatality in the National's history, Joe Wynne who sustained injuries in a fall in 1862. This brought about the ditch on the take-off side of the fence in an effort to slow the horses on approach. The fence was the location where a distance judge sat in the earliest days of the race. On the second circuit he would record the finishing order from his position and declare any horse that had not passed him before the previous runner passed the finishing post as "distanced", meaning a non-finisher. The practise was done away with in the 1850s but the monument where the chair stood is still there. The fence was originally known as the Monument Jump but The Chair came into more regular use in the 1930s. 16 Water Jump: This 2ft 9in fence brings the first circuit to an end and the sight of the runners jumping it at speed presents a terrific spectacle in front of the grandstands. The fence was originally a stone wall in the very early Grand Nationals.

On the final circuit, after the 30th fence the remaining runners bear right, avoiding The Chair and Water Jump, to head onto a "run-in" to the finishing post. The Finish The 474-yard long run in from the final fence to the finish is the longest in the country and has an acute elbow halfway up it that further drains the then almost empty stamina reserves of both horse and jockey. For numerous riders over the years, this elongated run-in has proved mental and physical agony when the winning post seems to be retreating with every weary stride. Don't count your money until the post is reached as with the rest of the Grand National course, the run-in can - and usually does - change fortunes. The likes of Devon Loch, Crisp and Sunnyhillbot have all famously had defeat snatched from the jaws of victory in heat breaking fashion. Course Walking No visit to Aintree would be complete without taking the opportunity to see some of these famous fences close up. The whole course can actually be walked on the morning of the race (subject to ground conditions and security requirements). Walkers should leave an hour to do a circuit, which must be completed one hour prior to the first race.

Maps, guiding racegoers to the start point, are located around the racecourse. The famous Becher's Brook with its steep drop on landing - a daunting obstacle © Where To Bet Ltd 2004-16 (contact us: wheretobet@hotmail.com) Grand National Fence Guide - Your Full Guide to the Grand National Fences Grand National Fence Guide 30 Jumps – 16 Fences The Grand National is renowned for being one of the most difficult horse races in the world. The gruelling four and a half mile course has 30 jumps of varying difficultly for the brave jockeys and horses to navigate. Around 60% of the horses that start the race will not make it past the finishing post, and for the first horse over the last fence a 494 yard marathon run-in awaits. There are only 16 actual fences on the Aintree course, the first 14 fences are jumped for a second time to make 30 total jumps in the race. All fences, except the Water Jump (16th) must be at least 4ft 6in high.

Fence positions Traditional timber frame replaced by fronds of ‘plastic birch’ to reduce injuries. 2 Inner plastic core covered with spruce to depth of 14-16 inches. The Fences FENCE 1(17) Only 4ft 6in high, and one of the smallest on the course, this fence often claims a disproportionate number of fallers. In 2004, a team of veterinary surgeons at Liverpool University studied the fate of all 560 horses that took part in the previous 15 Grand Nationals and determined that this fence was one to be feared most with horses being seven times more likely to fall here than at other plain jumps with no ditch. The higher number of fallers at this fence is likely due to the quicker speed horses usually travel at in the early stages of the race. FENCE 2 (18) : THE FAN The Fan, named after a mare who regularly refused here in the 19th century. A plain 4ft 7in-high fence of no special difficulty.

FENCE 3 (19) Far tougher than number two, this 5ft high fence is preceded by a yawning 6ft open ditch, with the ground sloping away on the landing side. It is the first real test and clearing it well can give a confidence boost. In 1996 it accounted for the former winner Party Politics . John Francome has said that if he was still riding today, only this and The Chair would give him concern. FENCE 4 (20) Straightforward at just 4ft 10in high, yet it was here – second time around – that Neale Doughty, who completed the course in nine of his 10 Grand National rides, had the only blot on his copybook, falling on Rinus when disputing the lead in 1991. Also, in 1986, Corbiere , after winning and twice finishing third, uncharacteristically came down here. FENCE 5 (21) Another plain fence at 5ft high, this fence sees very few fallers when compared to some of the other, more difficult, fences.

FENCE 6 (22) : BECHER’S BROOK On the approach, the hedge on either side is a warning that this fence lies ahead, as this is the most famous steeplechase obstacle in the world – Becher’s Brook. Although only 4ft 10in on take off, there is a confusing drop on the landing side which can catch horses out if they land too steeply. Recently the fence has been modified to make less perilous for horses and jockeys. FENCE 7 (23) : FOINAVON For those who successfully make it over Becher’s Brook, this fence can appear to be very easy at just 4ft 6in and this casual attitude can surprise horses who anticipate another drop. It was named the ‘ Foinavon ‘ fence after the 1967 Grand National winning horse who avoided a huge pile up at this fence to go on and win the race at odds of 100/1. FENCE 8 (24) : CANAL TURN This 5ft fence presents a dangerous challenge as many riders take it at an angle to minimise the 90-degree turn on the course, in an attempt to gain ground.

It was the scene of its biggest pile-up in 1928 and again in 2002 when eight runners were taken out by rider-less Paddy’s Return. FENCE 9 (25) : VALENTINE’S BROOK This is the first of four 5ft fences in a straight line on the way to Melling Road and this one bounds a 5ft 6in wide brook but, despite, it’s drop on the landing side, is not thought to be as dangerous as Becher’s Brook and has claimed far fewer horses. Named after a horse who reputedly jumped the fence hind legs first! FENCE 10 (26) The second of the five footers on the straight, in front of the Sefton Stand, this fence doesn’t present any unusual challenges. FENCE 11 (27) The third of the 5ft fences in a row, this is more difficult given the fact that it is bordered on both sides of the take-off by the second 6ft wide open ditch and has a bigger drop than it’s third fence counterpart.

FENCE 12 (28) The fourth and last of the five footers in a row, fence 12 is followed by a 5ft 6in ditch but with less of a drop on the landing side. Following this fence is a long stretch of about half a mile before the penultimate fence on the way to the finish line on the second time around. FENCE 13 (29) This fence is only 4ft 7in high and generally doesn’t present any problems, however it was here, in 1994, that a mini pile-up saw five horses come down, including the strongly backed, Double Silk and Master Oats. FENCE 14 (30) Clear this on the second time around and you’re on the home straight of 494 yards to potential victory. However, on the first trip around the circuit it precedes one of the most difficult fences – The Chair (number 15) so cannot be taken lightly. FENCE 15 : THE CHAIR The Chair – one of the most notoriously difficult jumps on the whole course. It is 5ft 2in high and preceded by the third open 6ft ditch.

Because of it’s narrow approach it looks exceptionally daunting with an even more confusing higher ground level on the landing side than on the take-off side. FENCE 16 This is the last obstacle on the first circuit and the smallest fence of them all at just 2ft 6in but requires a huge leap to clear the 12ft 6in expanse of water beyond. Adapted from A-Z of the Grand National by John Cottrell and Marcus Armytage The Grand National The Grand National Articles and Resources The Grand National The Grand National , sponsored by John Smith’s, is arguably the most famous horse race in the world and is held annually at Aintree racecourse , near Liverpool, usually in the first week of April. It is the biggest betting event of the British horse racing year and is one of the most popular TV sporting events, attracting an audience in excess of 10 million in Britain and many millions more around the globe. The Grand National is a Grade 3 jumps handicap for horses aged six years or older, run over the marathon distance of four and a half miles, making it the longest horse race in Britain.

Runners must complete two circuits of the National course at Aintree, with its distinctive spruce-covered fences, with 30 fences to be jumped. The maximum number of runners is 40. The 2010 Grand National Winner : Don't Push It Grand National Fences There are 16 fences on the Grand National circuit and all are jumped twice during the race, with the exception of the Chair (the 15th) and the water jump (16th), which are jumped only once at the end of the first circuit. The most famous fence is Becher’s Brook, which is the sixth and the 22nd fence in the National. The fence took its name from Captain Martin Becher, who after falling at the fence in the first race of 1939, took refuge in the ditch on the landing side, which then contained water. Becher’s Brook is 4’10’’ on the takeoff side and up to 6’4’’ on the landing side. The sheer drop is the main challenge presented by this fence and the drop is steeper towards the inside; those brave enough to jump it on the inside save ground on the bend that follows.

The tallest fence on the takeoff side is The Chair, which is in front of the grandstand and is 5’2’’ with a large ditch before the fence on the takeoff side. Other famous fences are Foinavon (the seventh and 23rd in the National), the Canal Turn (the eighth and 24th) and Valentine’s Brook (the ninth and 25th). Latest Horse Racing News The Grand National: Everything you need to know (almost) - CBBC Newsround The Grand National: Everything you need to know (almost) 13 April 2012 Image copyright Getty Images The Grand National is one of the most famous and toughest horse races in the world - and it takes place this Saturday. It's a very popular event and 600 million people watch it on TV all over the globe. The race is part of a three-day race meeting held in Liverpool with over 150,000 people attending. It's a huge event but it's not just about the horse racing - so we've put together a guide to the festival. When did it all begin?

The first Grand National event at Aintree is believed to have been held in 1839, although some historians believe the first Grand National took place three years before, in 1836 - but on a different course. The race was moved to Gatwick Racecourse between 1916-1918 during the First World War and was called off between 1941-1945 because of the Second World War. The course Image copyright PA Image caption Aintree Racecourse - as seen from the air The Grand National is held at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool and during the three day event over 20 different races will take place. In the biggest race, the Grand National, horses have to complete two laps of the course, covering four-and-a-half miles and jumping 30 fences. Fences Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Riders clear The Chair jump There are 16 different jumps, known as fences, on the National Course. All 16 are jumped during the first lap but on the second lap of the circuit the horses only jump 14 of them. Some of the fences have different names.

One of the most popular fences is called The Chair - it's the tallest on the course and the ground on the landing side is higher than the side the horses take off from. There's also a ditch horses have to jump over before the fence. Controversy Campaigners and animal rights charities have often complained that the Grand National isn't safe for the horses involved and that the race is too dangerous. In both 2011 and 2012 two horses died racing in the Grand National and charities like the RSPCA say that needs to change. In 2011, 2012 and 2013 the organisers of the race made some changes to the course like making the fences and drops shorter to reduce the danger of the race. But campaigners say more needs to be done. Famous winners Image caption Red Rum won the Grand National three times A horse called Red Rum won the Grand National three times in 1973, 1974 and 1977 and also came second in 1975 and 1976. Red Rum died in 1995 at the age of 30 and was buried near the winning post at Aintree.

In 1993, no-one won because there was a false start - some riders didn't realise and carried on so the race had to be cancelled. Amazing Grand National facts Image copyright PA Image caption Jockeys and horses get ready to start the Grand National The oldest horse to win the race was Peter Simple, he was 15 years old and won in 1853. Five horses have won the race aged only five years old. The oldest winning jockey was Dick Saunders in 1982 aged 48. Bruce Hobbs was only 17 when he won in 1938. In 1929 an incredible 66 horses started the race but only two finished in 1928. Horsing around Image copyright PA Image caption A group of riders clear one of the many fences All this horse chat in the Newsround office has led to us telling each other some of our favourite horse-related jokes so we thought we'd share some of the better ones with you. Q: When do vampires like horse racing? A: When it's neck and neck Q: What do horses fear most? A: Hay Fever! Q: Why can't horses dance?

A: Because they have 2 left feet Q: What do you call pony with a sore throat? A: A little hoarse Q: What's a horse's favorite sport? A: Stable Tennis Grand National Fences - Beechers Brook - The Chair Grand National Fences TESTING MENU Aintree Grand National Fences The Aintree Grand National Course is run over the most unique race circuit in the country. The wide course is tailor made for the large fields of 40 plus runners which is more like a cavalry charge out of a western movie than a traditional horse race, no wonder it is so popular with the public. The Aintree course is nearly two and a quarter miles in circumference, there are 16 fences and a run in of 494 yards. The Canal Turn with Ryan Mania Becher's Brook with Ryan Mania Aintree Fence-By Fence Guide Fence 1The first fence comes very quickly after the start and with 40 plus runners going full pelt at speeds of 30 plus miles per hour there are bound to be a couple of causalities at this first fence which is 4 foot 6 inch in height.

Fence 2The second fence come up quickly and is slightly bigger than the first fence standing at 4 foot 7 inch. Fence 3Next is the first open ditch. The ditches are the first real test for the horses as there is a 6 foot gap between the front of the ditch and the fence itself so the horse has to stand off and really stretch out to make it safely to the other side. This fence is the larger than the first two standing at 5 feet. Fence 4is back to a standard fence at 4 foot 10 inches. Fence 5A 5 foot fence. The last regular fence before Bechers. Fence 6Bechers Brook . The most famous fence on the Aintree Racecourse. (Named after Captain Becher Who fell at this fence ) What is unique about this fence is the brook on the landing side. This fence is a 4 foot 10 inch fence with a 5 foot 6 inch Brook. The experienced jockeys will take there horses wide as the drop is less the wider you jump the fence. Fence 7The Foinavon fence.

One of the easier fences on the course at 4 foot 6 inches, but the fence that caused such carnage in the 1967 National. The fence was named after Foinavon a complete outsider who was the only horse to jump the fence first time and went on to win. Fence 8The Canal Turn. This is a 5 foot fence. What is important about this fence is that the jockeys need to jump the fence at an angle in order not to lose a lot of ground as there is a 90 degrees angle to the left immediately after jumping this fence. Fence 9St. Valentines Brook A 5 foot fence with a 5 foot 6 inch Brook. Fence10 A five foot fence. Fence 11The Booth. An open ditch with a 5 foot fence and a 6 foot ditch. Fence 12Westhead. A five foot fence followed by a 5 foot 6 inch fence. Fence 13This is a 4 foot 7 inch fence. Fence 14A 4 foot 6 inch fence, not a difficult fence but horses are beginning to tire and can make simple errors.

Fence 15The Chair. This is the biggest fence in the National. It is a 6 foot fence with a 5 foot 2 inch ditch. Fence 16This is the water jump and is a long jump rather than a high jump. The horses have to jump nearly all the fences twice with 30 fences in all that make up this fantastic horse race. At the end of jumping the 30 fences and running nearly four and a half miles there is the longest run in of any horse race in the UK of 494 yards with an elbow roughly half way up the run in many races have been won and lost on this final scramble to the finishing post. It is just hoped that every year that all the horses return safely to have another go the following year. Aintree Racecourse - Grand National Fences Grand National Fences TESTING MENU Aintree Racecourse Horses have to successfully jump a total of 30 Grand National Fences . Each of the 16 individual fences are jumped twice, apart from The Chair and The Water Jump. The race comprises two circuits of the course. Becher's Brook is the 6th fence on the first circuit, and 22nd on the second.

It was modified for safety purposes in 1989, and remains one of the most formidable fences. Aintree Racecourse History The first official races at Aintree were set up by the owner of Liverpool's Waterloo Hotel, Mr William Lynn. Mr Lynn leased the land from Lord Sefton, laid out a course, built a grandstand and staged the first Flat fixture on July 7, 1829. Aintree is home to the worlds most popular races in the world, the Aintree Grand National. The Aintree Grand National was first run in 1839 and was won by the 5-1 favourite "Lottery". This was also the year in which the infamous Captain Martin Becher fell from his horse "Conrad" into the brook when in the lead, thus beginning the legend that is Becher's Brook. In recent years the Aintree racecourse has gone from strength to strength and a large part of the credit can go to Martell who provided much needed sponsorship at an important time.

New Sponsors John Smiths Beer shall take over the Grand National sponsorship in 2005 and this ties in nicely with future plans for the course which include a new grandstand, as well as a redeveloped Parade Ring and Winner's Enclosure. Aintree's ambitious �30million plan will be complete for the 2007 Grand National Meeting . Grand National Course Guide GUIDE TO AINTREE & THE GRAND NATIONAL The course, fences and history of the race… Race & Course Guide Aintree has been the home of the Grand National since it’s first running in 1839, and although a version of the race took place in years prior to this, 1839 is the accepted date of the official commencement of The Grand National. Since those early days the course and fences have undergone many changes. Most recently the wooden stakes at the core of the fences have been replaced with flexible plastic to reduce the risk of horses and jockeys getting injured. The starting line has also moved further away from the main stand as this helps the horses remain calmer in the moments before the off.

These changes haven’t effected the essence of the race, which still remains the one of the toughest tests of horse and rider in the world. Forty horses line up at the starting tape and around 60% of the entrants will not complete the race, which is four and a half miles long and has thirty fence jumps. Aintree Aintree is the home of the Grand National and apart from a couple of years during the first world war, the race has always taken place at the course, which is located just five miles from the centre of Liverpool. Well served by public transport and a train station, the course is modern and offers a wide range of facilities. The Grand National is just one of many race meetings that take place during the National Hunt season although not all meetings and races are run over the National course. Getting to Aintree is very easy from all parts of the United Kingdom. Liverpool has excellent rail links, motorway access and is served by John Lennon Airport. Queues on the day of the Grand National can build up on the roads surrounding the course but this is to be expected for such a popular sporting occasion. Around 70,000 racing fans will watch the race live making it one of the biggest sporting events in the calendar.

Course The Grand National course is 4 miles and 4 furlongs long. The horses encounter 16 different fences with varying degrees of height and width. Riders must navigate two circuits of the course (missing out fences 15 & 16 on the second circuit) before turning for the home straight which is the longest run-in of any UK racecourse. The Grand National is the longest race in the UK but it’s the difficulty for the fences that provide the real challenge to horse and rider. Just a mention of the fences Becher’s Brook, The Chair and the Canal Turn make a jockey’s blood run cold. Often called the ‘Original Extreme Sport’ steeplechase races originated in Ireland. Legend has it that the first race was between Cornelius O’Callaghan and Edmund Blake as they raced from Buttevant Church to St. Leger Church, or from steeple to steeple, hence the term steeplechase. Those original cross country races are now replicated on racecourses across England and Ireland. However, the Aintree course is arguably the toughest of all.

Jockeys no longer have to jump a stone wall at Aintree or cross the ploughed field, but the water jumps, brooks and ditches still feature on many of its fences. Famous Fences THE GRAND NATIONAL FENCES Few races can claim to have famous fences, maybe with the exception of the infamous ‘Taxis’ fence in the Velká pardubická, no other race can rival the Grand National for fearsome jumps. Of the 16 fences which make up the National course six of the jumps have become famous in their own right. Becher’s Brook, Valentines’ Brook, The Chair, Canal Turn and Foinavon are names which are known throughout the world. These fences are woven into the very fabric of the Grand National race. Becher’s Brook Becher’s Brook is the the 6th and 22nd fence in the Grand National. Standing at 4ft 10 inches the fence has a fearsome reputation due to the fact that the landing side of the fence is 10 inches lower than the take off side.

Jockeys have compared it to “jumping off the edge of the world.” The fence takes its name from Captain Martin Becher, one of the Grand National pioneers and keen jockey. Becher fell at this fence and hid in the brook to avoid injury from the horses still jumping the fence. Valentine’s Brook Valentine’s Brook is fence 9 & 25 and is named after the horse who reputedly jumped the fence backwards in 1840. Although it’s more likely the horse pirouetted which gave the appearance of him jumping hind legs first. In many ways the fence is like Becher’s Brook only less severe and it accounts for around 2% of all fallers in the race. The Chair At 5ft 3in The Chair (fence 15) is the tallest fence in the Grand National. Horses must also clear a 6ft ditch on the takeoff side, with the landing side being 6in higher than the takeoff side. Although most horses successfully navigate this fence it has claimed two jockeys lives.

In 1862 Joseph Wynne was fatally injuried during the Grand National and in 1872 George Ede died at the fence, albeit in a different race. The fence was originally known as the Monument Jump and it is one of only two fences which are navigated once by the riders, the other being the Water Jump. Foinavon One of the smaller fences in the race, Foinavon is named after the 100/1 shot who avoided a mass pile-up here in 1967 and went on to win the race. Officially fence 7 & 23, Foinavon is just 4ft 6in and apart from 1967 rarely does this fence trouble the jockeys. It accounts for just 2% of fallers. Canal Turn The Canal Turn has been the scene of many a pile-ups over the years. Horses that refuse to jump this fence can interfere with other runners. Any jockey who decides to cut the corner also runs the risk of sliding out of the saddle. Before the First World War it was not uncommon for loose horses to continue straight ahead after the jump and end up in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal!

Officially fence 8 & 24, it accounts for around 5% of race fallers and stands at 5ft. Tickets Tickets for the Grand National are available to buy online at aintree.co.uk, prices range from £20 all the way up to £600 for corporate hospitality packages. You are advised to book early as the last two Grand National meetings have sold out completely. Tickets in popular parts of the course are snapped up months before the race is due to take place (9th April 2016). Aintree.co.uk is the official racecourse website where you can buy tickets for the 2017 Grand National.

Question: How many fences are jumped in completing the Grand National?
Answer: 30